Sustainable biorefinery approach for the transformation of biowaste into biofuels and chemicals for the circular economy: A review

The valorization and conversion of biowaste through a biorefinery approach is an eco-friendly method of transforming biowaste into usable products along with commercially viable value-added products that address energy, chemicals, and environmental concerns. This study examines the potential of several biowaste feedstocks, including agricultural residues, municipal solid waste, food waste, and biowaste from food processing businesses, for the production of biofuels, biochemicals, and biomaterials. Biochemical (Anaerobic digestion, fermentation) and thermochemical (pyrolysis, gasification, hydrothermal, torrefection, liquefaction) processes are examples of advanced bioconversion technologies that have been assessed for their effectiveness, yield of products, and byproducts. Furthermore, in the study, India’s perspective on utilizing biowaste for the biorefinery and several government initiatives that have been undertaken are highlighted. Overall, the biowaste biorefinery models should emphasize resource recovery and waste valorization while integrating the circular economy concepts. Hence, a comprehensive strategy towards process integration and regulatory support is crucial for the full application of biowaste in biorefineries in transition to a biobased economy.